Who will start?

[Katwatcher]

He makes big bucks to get 8 guys on the field. Probably not money well spent.I don't get it why everyone thinks Stoops should get 5 or 6 years to build a program, when he clearly is making little or no progress. We're underdogs against Vandy in his third year. Wake up.

I think Towles will start. This game is very important for a bowl bid. You can't make this game a tryout session for your QB's. If Stoops makes a change so be it. He is in best position to know .
I think most knowledgeable fans realize that it does take -6 or more years to build a program at UK. UK and Vandy both have been the cellar dwellers in the SEC for years. and seen many coaching changes to no avail. And yes improvement is sometimes hard to see when you face SEC schedule, but surely you can see that the recruiting has been upgraded.

The state of Kentucky has fewer high school football programs than most of the other SEC schools, which makes recruiting difficult. UK is a traditional basketball school playing football in toughest league in the nation. These are just a few of the reasons why its takes longer to build a program at Kentucky.

Changing coaches every 3-4 years will not solve the problem, it will be like starting over. If you look back at history you will see only token success from 8 or ten coaches in the last 50 years.

 

[Brock28]

I think Pat should start, and Pat will start.

 

[ulismyman]

I think he shouldnt but agree that he will.

 

[UK Cats Rock]

I think if that happened a lot of people would ask why Towles gets an entire game to try and get going but Barker gets pulled after just a couple series. Then the other players may look at it as the coaches not giving Barker a fair shot and showing favoritism. It really is a sticky situation for these coaches especially in such a crucial game.

Yeah, that's a great point. Never really thought of that. They could just say that Barker isn't playing any better than Towles, so they need the more experienced of the equal talents.

That scenario you pointed out makes me think it would be better to start PT and see what he does. I am not so sure 1-2 series is enough to find a rhythm, though. Tough situation. for sure.

 

[UK Cats Rock]

This whole Towles thing is astonishing. What is it going to take for you Towles supporters to finally realize........he stinks? 5 or 6 more interceptions with zero touchdown throws? The coaching staff obviously has no clue what they're doing, yet you think them wise on the qb.

Actually, what is astonishing is that you haven't contributed to the discussion and instead, just want to bash coaches and players.

Now, re-read the thread, check out some of the great responses, and contribute to it by stating who you think will start and leave the bashing out. Thank you.

 

[Deeeefense]

The Towles on a short leash theory makes some sense, the problem is if Towles starts and can't move the team after a possession or two, I would be surprised if Barker can either. This is an improving defense that Florida struggled to get 9 points against. The FEI ranks Vandy's defense 8th nationally this week and the S&P ranks them 11th.

This is really NOT the team you want to face when you are having QB issues.

 

[kentuckyrld]

Good or bad, the record speaks for itself. Is the losing streak the total fault of the quarterback? Obviously, it is not. However, the quarterback is the most important position on the field and Towles has not distinguished himself this season. Will Barker be any better? We won't know until he has played a couple of games. However, one thing is certain. If Towles starts and plays most of the game then we know that the coaching staff is incapable of making the adjustments that MIGHT allow this team progress.

 

[ALL IN YOUR FACE]

I'm fascinated at what you guys base this on. He should get some opportunities but I have no idea how anyone can say he should start.

Towles shouldn't start, better?

 

[RACdad]

I think Towles will start, but after 2 series the offense is struggling I think we see Barker

 

[RealCat41]

The guy with the shortest hair will start.

 

[willievic]

I think Pat should start, and Pat will start.

In this game, Barker would definitely be the best option. Why? One BIG reason, Barker has a quicker release then Towles, and that is going to be very important against Vandy's defense.
Our Oline is very poor at keeping the DL off our QB, so having someone with a quick release is imperative. The QB is not going to have the luxury of going to 2 or 3 receivers. A quick hitter to Conrad on a slant, or a pass to the flat will probably be our best options. I doubt the QB will have time to stretch the field.
I know Towles is not very good at rolling out, and we haven't seen enough of Barker to know if he can roll out and escape the pass rush. We should know this Saturday.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[RealCat41]

Good or bad, the record speaks for itself. Is the losing streak the total fault of the quarterback? Obviously, it is not. However, the quarterback is the most important position on the field and Towles has not distinguished himself this season. Will Barker be any better? We won't know until he has played a couple of games. However, one thing is certain. If Towles starts and plays most of the game then we know that the coaching staff is incapable of making the adjustments that MIGHT allow this team progress.

That would be a brilliant move KentuckyRLD.

It's the 3rd quarter, Towles is quarterback and we are up 14.

Stoops, "Well boys we're gonna show KentuckyRLD we can make adjustments, Towles you've played most of the game, you're out."

 

[ulismyman]

Can we put the breaks on Vandy defense please??? This isnt the Steel Curtain...just ask Houston

 

[UK Cats Rock]

In this game, Barker would definitely be the best option. Why? One BIG reason, Barker has a quicker release then Towles, and that is going to be very important against Vandy's defense.
Our Oline is very poor at keeping the DL off our QB, so having someone with a quick release is imperative. The QB is not going to have the luxury of going to 2 or 3 receivers. A quick hitter to Conrad on a slant, or a pass to the flat will probably be our best options. I doubt the QB will have time to stretch the field.
I know Towles is not very good at rolling out, and we haven't seen enough of Barker to know if he can roll out and escape the pass rush. We should know this Saturday.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

Yet another great point. If and when he's in, you KNOW Vandy will want to get to him quickly to rattle him. Those quick releases will be very, very important and if he can be accurate with them and make the right read.... well, we can hope.

 

[Katwatcher]

In this game, Barker would definitely be the best option. Why? One BIG reason, Barker has a quicker release then Towles, and that is going to be very important against Vandy's defense.
Our Oline is very poor at keeping the DL off our QB, so having someone with a quick release is imperative. The QB is not going to have the luxury of going to 2 or 3 receivers. A quick hitter to Conrad on a slant, or a pass to the flat will probably be our best options. I doubt the QB will have time to stretch the field.
I know Towles is not very good at rolling out, and we haven't seen enough of Barker to know if he can roll out and escape the pass rush. We should know this Saturday.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

Lets assume that both Towles and Barker were close to being even talent wise, during spring and fall practices and that Barker has the quicker release. It seems to me that Towles probably is more talented on the other things that
QB's are asked to do or the coaches would have went with Barker.

Having a quick release is fine to have, but it doesn't automatically make you a Tom Brady. I think Barker will make us a good QB, in fact I'm glad we have him. But we still have to let the Coach make that decision for obvious reasons.

The reason I say this is because there are probably fans that think other players should be playing more minutes also. These decisions can't be made by committee, only by the coach.

 

[mtn cat1]

With the controversy this week at QB who should start?

I don't know who Will Start but, in my opinion,Drew Barker SHOULD start!!!!! If for no other reason than, he has remained a part of the team to this point, & PT has been less than what is needed at the qb position, Drew deserves an opportunity to see if he can provide the attributes at the qb position that are needed to move the program forward!!!!

 

[mtn cat1]

I'm fascinated at what you guys base this on. He should get some opportunities but I have no idea how anyone can say he should start.

WE BASE it on what we have witnessed over two seasons now with PT as our qb!!!!! We have not been able to see what Barker MAY OFFER because we have an EXTREMELY LIMITED basis for judgement as to what Barker may bring to the arena!!!!!

 

[SEKproud]

I believe earlier this week Dawson stated that they already knew who was going to start at QB and was sticking with it. That's why I think they'll start Towles because I don't believe they would decide to change QBs that early in the week when there were still a couple practices left to observe. Whether or not I believe Towles or Barker should start doesn't matter. Giving this team every opportunity to win does and I believe this staff will do just that because they know how important this win is for this season and the future of the program. That's why I believe who starts doesn't matter as much as who can move this offense because that's the QB who will and should play.

 

[willievic]

Lets assume that both Towles and Barker were close to being even talent wise, during spring and fall practices and that Barker has the quicker release. It seems to me that Towles probably is more talented on the other things that
QB's are asked to do or the coaches would have went with Barker.

Having a quick release is fine to have, but it doesn't automatically make you a Tom Brady. I think Barker will make us a good QB, in fact I'm glad we have him. But we still have to let the Coach make that decision for obvious reasons.

The reason I say this is because there are probably fans that think other players should be playing more minutes also. These decisions can't be made by committee, only by the coach.

Being an Army All American has to mean something. If you look at the last two games he was in, I believe he was 7 for 9 or 10. He had completed 6 in a row the previous game he was in. I don't know if he's better then Towles, and we won't know until he gets a shot at it. I think one of the problems with Towles, is he has been hit so much, he wants to get rid of the ball as soon as possible. I really can't say I blame him.
The last three games, Towles is throwing behind the receiver. They never catch the ball in stride. I think most fans want to see Towles do good. I know I do, but it might help him to watch from the sideline, and I don't mean that in a negative way.
With our offensive line, it's tough to stretch the field. Good luck to whoever start or plays.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[UK Cats Rock]

I believe earlier this week Dawson stated that they already knew who was going to start at QB and was sticking with it. That's why I think they'll start Towles because I don't believe they would decide to change QBs that early in the week when there were still a couple practices left to observe.

I might be remembering this incorrectly, but I don't think that's what he said. I think he said they have a plan for the quarterbacks, and he felt it was a good one. But, I don't remember him saying they already have their starter in place unless it's somewhere where I didn't catch it. Again, could be wrong.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

WE BASE it on what we have witnessed over two seasons now with PT as our qb!!!!! We have not been able to see what Barker MAY OFFER because we have an EXTREMELY LIMITED basis for judgement as to what Barker may bring to the arena!!!!!

And that is the point. You don't know, but the coaches do. See the problem? One has spent a lifetime in the game and sees what each guy is capable of every day. You are a fan who admits to being clueless about their capabilities. I couldn't have said it better.

 

[Ctroberts1024]

I don't understand the "if Towles struggles" argument. He has struggled all year with the exception of probably 8-10 quarters. It's time to give Barker the reins. He can't do any worse. God knows we need a spark one way or another and I think Drew can provide it.

 

[SEKproud]

I might be remembering this incorrectly, but I don't think that's what he said. I think he said they have a plan for the quarterbacks, and he felt it was a good one. But, I don't remember him saying they already have their starter in place unless it's somewhere where I didn't catch it. Again, could be wrong.

I went back and read the transcript and he said he did know who the starter was going to be and they had a plan in place and would stick with it. What that plan is I don't know but it does seem Towles will start but how much he plays probably depends on how well he plays.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

I would think that if there has been a change at the QB position we would have heard some sort of official word by now...

We may start to say from here on out what we probably should have seen more of this season...some sort of 2 qb system...Pat starts and gets most of the reps but Barker comes in as a Wildcat/change of pace QB to juice the offense and give the defense something else to scheme for...

I don't know that Barker is ready for much more than a relief role...

Perhaps Dawson should start to run with the QB more...both Pat and DB are big, strong, and mobile QBs...the line hasn't proved that they can really sustain any sort of protection, the and the WRs haven't proven themselves of being able to consistently make enough catches or plays...might be time to start running with the QB and perhaps that will open some things down field in the passing game...

The great thing about Pat and DB...one isn't just a runner or just a passer...they each can do both and that would be very difficult to game plan for...

 

[FreeSafety36]

It seems that the idea of PT starting and being on a short leash is the popular opinion, and I'm afraid it's the most likely. All that really shows is scared coaching.

What else is there to see from Towles? It's not like he's in a 2 or 3 game slump, he's just not good. There are several problems with starting Towles and putting him on a short leash before bringing in Barker to try to save the day.

First, if Barker starts instead of Towles, Vandy's week of preparation to face Towles is down the drain. That won't be lost on their players. They know they prepared for Towles, he's the only QB on our roster they have any meaningful game film on; so if Barker is the guy at the start of the game, they will be second guessing their defensive game plan from the jump.

If Towles starts and has a couple bad series, Vandy's defense will be playing with that much more confidence, and our offense will have already taken a hit to their own. Think it would be tough on Barker starting? How much tougher would it be coming into the game already down and with momentum going the other way?

Also, by starting Barker, the players, particularly the offense, have a reason to believe this game might be different. It's not just a chance for Barker to make a statement, it's a chance for everyone to show that they're good enough to be where they are. It's a rebirth of sorts for the offense, the receivers and linemen, especially. If Towles starts and turns in his usual performance, any energy and confidence the guys go into this game with will fade quickly and that's not something you can flip a switch to turn back on.

Starting Towles but putting him on a short leash is just putting Barker in an impossible situation and asking him to be the savior of the program, despite the fact they didn't even have enough confidence in him to let him start the game. You can't send those kinds of mixed messages and expect everything to magically turn out okay. I'm not here to bash anyone, not coach nor player, but our QB situation has been handled about as poorly as possible; and as much as I hope I'm wrong, I don't see tomorrow being any different in that regard. If Patrick Towles leads the offense out onto the field tomorrow afternoon, we may very well lose a lot more than this one game.

 

[AirRaidFan_rivals164446]

Who starts is not important. Who wins.....is.

 

[RealCat41]

The fact that over 61% will be dead wrong should be very telling.

 

[VictoriaGlanz]

What you said is really correct. poll is useless.
Essay writing service

 

[docholiday51]

They both start,one at UK the other at BC

 

[RealCat41]

They both start,one at UK the other at BC

I think what will really be interesting is if they both are the starters when each plays Louisville this year.

 

[Brock28]

Well.... both.